Knife Edge got back on the winning trail for local trainer Michael O'Brien and earned a possible trip to Sandown next month when justifying favouritism in the Poplar Square Chase at Naas this afternoon.
Taken wide all the way by Tom Rudd, Knife Edge was only third jumping the final fence but quickened nicely for a half length verdict over Shannon Gale which also carried the colours of champion owner JP McManus.
"It was a messy race but he travelled sweetly and quickened up well enough when Tom got after him," said O'Brien.
A trip to Sandown on December 8th for the Tingle Creek Chase is a strong possibility for Knife Edge who will also be entered for the John Durkan Memorial Chase at Punchestown the following afternoon.
Shannon Gale (14-1) made most of the running and was still in front although jumping left at the final two fences and doing little favours to the horses on his inner.
Jockey Paul Moloney was cautioned for careless riding, although Shannon Gale kept second place following an inquiry.
The topweight Rince Ri ran a smashing race in fourth, only losing out by two-and-a-half lengths in all, and is likely to run next in the John Durkan Chase at Punchestown.
The combination of trainer O'Brien, jockey Rudd and owner McManus doubled up half an hour later when the odds-on Goss followed up his maiden success over hurdles at Punchestown with another easy victory.
The season's leading rider Paul Carberry was also in double form at the meeting although he did not ride again after guiding the favourite Glens Music to a comfortable win in the Weatherbys Handicap Hurdle.
Successful on Pietro Vannucci in the opening maiden hurdle, Carberry bruised a leg when falling at the third fence in a grief-stricken EBF Beginners Chase when Eternal Night came down and brought down the odds-on-favourite Colonel Yeager.
"Paul felt a bit sore after ridding Glenns Music to win the third race and is taking no chances by not riding for the rest of the day because he wants to ride at Aintree tomorrow in the Becher Chase on Church Place," said his boss Noel Meade.